 The terms cat-rigged, and catboat, should not be confused with catamarans.Catamarans are not related to the term cat-rigged, though catamarans can be cat-rigged, if they have a single sail and no jib.The term 'cat' may come from the 'cat head', a protruding cross beam, not far behind the bow, or head, of a sailing ship, to which the anchor was attached when the vessel was preparing for sea.